Dubai elevates its status as a premier destination for youth sports development with the commencement of the ninth Dubai Intercontinental Cup for Under-13 Football on Thursday. The tournament, backed by the Dubai Sports Council, showcases an unprecedented gathering of 32 international and domestic teams competing across eight groups from February 12-15.
European football giants Real Madrid and Bayern Munich headline a stellar participant list that includes Arsenal, Chelsea, AC Milan, Ajax, and Brazil’s Flamengo, alongside leading Emirati clubs. The competition format mirrors a ‘mini World Cup,’ providing young athletes with elite competitive exposure.
At the official press conference held at Emirates Towers, Khalfan Belhoul, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council, emphasized the event’s strategic importance: ‘This tournament embodies our leadership’s directive to invest in youth development. It serves as a technical laboratory where Emirati talent can benchmark against global football academies, essential for measuring progress and refining development pathways.’
The tournament has evolved into a recognized brand that extends beyond football, offering participants valuable life experiences through cultural exchange and discipline, as noted by former Spanish international Michel Salgado. Real Madrid’s sporting director Santiago Solari highlighted the critical importance of tactical education at this formative age level.
Complementing the competition, organizers conducted a specialized workshop focusing on talent recruitment methodologies, selection criteria, and sustainable development frameworks, reinforcing the event’s institutional commitment to structured youth development.
Group stage analysis reveals compelling matchups: Ajax heads Group A with UAE’s Al Nasr, Bulgaria’s CSKA Sofia, and Dribbles SC. Group B features Spain’s Celta Vigo alongside Iris Sports, Bulgaria’s Levski Sofia, and Fursan Hispania (B). Flamengo anchors Group C with Inglesia FC, Mondial FA, and Italy’s Levante Azzurro. Bayern Munich leads Group D with Latvia’s Riga FC, Elite SS, and Shabab Al Ahli Dubai.
Chelsea commands Group E with Italy’s Lombardero, Netherlands’ VV Baronie, and UAE’s Al Wasl. Real Madrid tops Group F alongside Russia’s Rodina Moscow, Al Wahda, and the specially assembled Dubai TC under-12 selection team. AC Milan dominates Group G with United FC, Romania’s Universitatea Craiova, and Sharjah. Group H showcases Argentina’s Racing Club, Spain’s Fursan Hispania, Ajman, and Ultimate Integral FC.